Conducting a home inspection is a vital part of the home buying and selling process. In fact, it’s as imperative in most cases as hiring a real estate agent to assist with finding properties and handling negotiations.
If you’re intrigued by why a home inspection is important, read on for top-tier guidance from Seattle real estate expert Ryan Rockwell. This is what you may miss out on if you choose to eschew one.
You may not understand the home’s real value
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If a bidding war is brewing for the home you’re interested in procuring, it may be tempting to expedite the process and make your offer look more competitive by agreeing to purchase it “as is.” In doing so, however, you will lose a tremendous amount of leverage when it comes time to negotiate. Significant renovations, like replacing the roof or upgrading the electrical system, are extensive endeavors that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Structural problems, on the other hand, bring down the overall value of the property.
You want to conduct a professional home inspection so that you’re well aware of any repair concerns or future issues that may arise that you’ll need to contend with. An expert home inspector will outline the repairs required upon move-in and in the near future, which can help you and your agent negotiate with the buyer the home’s price. You may also be in an ideal position to request a repair credit.
The home may not be viable to live in when the seasons change
If you are eyeing Northeast Seattle real estate, keep in mind that what appears splendid in the spring and summer may be downright uninhabitable once winter arrives. A leaky, deteriorating roof, cracked or loose weatherstripping, old pipes that may be prone to freezing, clogged rain gutters, cracks in the home’s foundation, and a faulty fireplace and chimney—all these can cause an enormous and financially worrisome headache. A home inspector is trained to see even the seemingly most inconsequential flaws to prevent emergencies and ensure your home is secure and comfortable.
You will miss out on guaranteeing the home’s safety
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Whether you are planning to live alone or will be bringing children with you, the safety of a home’s features is paramount. A home inspector performs a thorough investigation of a home’s essential safety facets, including the correct installation and “health” of the following:
- Stairs
- Safety glass
- Smoke detectors
- Ground fault interrupters
- Guardrails and handrails
- Pavement
You may not be able to see quietly growing, insidious problems
Mold formations are sly and may not be detected by an untrained evaluator. Home inspectors keep a vigilant eye out for mold spores and mildew, not only to safeguard your home against potential damage but also to protect your well-being. Mold has been linked to various health complications, including poisoning, respiratory problems, and severe reactions. For this reason, it’s a good idea to order a specialized mold inspection.
You might not have the chance to obtain an understanding of the home’s intricacies
In most cases, you’ll be able to attend the home inspection and take note of areas that the inspector points out. Attending the home inspection–which is widely advised–allows you to walk through the home and view it through the eyes of a professional. Further, the home inspector will be able to point out the location of practical features, including ventilation switches, electrical panels, waterlines, and water valves.
You may not understand the true status of the home’s plumbing
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Rarely do we think about plumbing until it becomes a problem–and like a defective roof, it can swiftly turn into an emergency. Plumbing systems are complicated and complex. A home inspector is well-aware of this and will conduct an examination of the sewer line, water pressure, drains, condition of the water heater, and more. This won’t just save you money in the future–it will also provide you with immense peace of mind.
You won’t have a grasp on maintenance fees
Keeping a properly functioning home requires maintenance–and the cost of such maintenance is contingent upon the condition of the home. Worn-out cooling and heating systems, for instance, can drive up your costs considerably. A certified home inspection can help you determine what your monthly costs will be; further, it will give you the chance to figure out which systems will need to be replaced in the coming months and years.
You may inadvertently purchase a home that lacks sound integrity
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The foundation of your home is of utmost importance–but structural problems are seldom visible to the unprofessional eye. Home inspectors have the tools to determine how well the home was built–and yes, this doesn’t just apply to older homes but to all constructions.
You might purchase a home that’s infested with unseen pests
Bed bugs, fleas, ants, cockroaches, beetles, spiders, and even rodents are common pests in Seattle. You may not witness the presence of these critters during a showing, but they can quickly lead to buyer’s remorse the second you spot them. A home inspector will enter and examine places throughout the home–such as the attic, crawl spaces, and behind heavier appliances–to assess for pests.
You will be taking the seller’s word for the home’s condition
Oftentimes, even homeowners aren’t wholly aware of the genuine condition of their home and may assure you that it is in sound, even impeccable condition. Again, a home inspector has a qualified perspective to ascertain a home’s present and predicted problems and bring objectivity to the process.
You won’t have as easy of a time walking away from your purchase offer
A purchase offer is a contract that typically (read: almost always) requires a deposit. However, if an inspection of the home reveals the need for substantial repairs and the seller doesn’t budge on the asking price, you may have the chance to make a graceful exit–and with your deposit.
Seattle native Ryan Rockwell excels at just such negotiations. Deemed one of the leading brokers in the Puget Sound Area, Ryan brings marketing acumen, in-depth local knowledge, and friendliness to all of his transactions. Book a consultation with him to discover the values inherent in conducting a home inspection–and the joy that’s found in buying and selling property in Northeast Seattle real estate.
*Header photo courtesy of Pexels
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